BIRMINGHAM -- A federal grand jury today indicted a Mexican man living in Brighton on charges of illegal gun possession and distributing high-purity methamphetamine known as "ice," announced U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance, Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Hyche and Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay A. Morris.

An indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges SERAFIN “Primo” JARAMILLO-ECHEVERRA, 27, possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine on April 8 in Jefferson County, and that he possessed with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of "ice" at two separate locations in Jefferson County on April 10. Federal sentencing guidelines define "ice" as a substance containing at least 80 percent methamphetamine.

The indictment also charges Jaramillo-Echeverra carried a Hi-Point .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol in relation to a drug-trafficking crime on April 10, and that he was an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

The maximum penalty for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of "ice" carries a minimum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum $10 million fine. The maximum sentence for carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime is five years in prison, which must be served after completion of any other sentence imposed for the crime, and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

ATF and DEA investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney William G. Simpson is prosecuting.

An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.